Peshawar:The Provincial Assembly of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) transacted most of its agenda appearing on the list of business and adopted three supplementary resolutions after suspension of the rules, observes Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in its Daily Factsheet on Monday.
None of the adopted resolutions was on the list of business of the House. According to Rule 124 of the Rules of Procedure of KP Assembly, a Private Member, who wishes to move a resolution, shall give 15 days’ notice of his intention to do so and shall submit, together with the notice, a copy of the resolution which he intends to move. However, the members took the advantage of Rule 240, requesting the Speaker to suspend the relevant rules and accommodate their resolutions.
The Assembly met for three hours and 40 minutes while the proceedings remained suspended for 30 minutes due to prayer and tea breaks. The sitting started at 1038 hours against the scheduled time of 1000 hours. The Speaker presided over the entire sitting while the Deputy Speaker was also present. The Leader of the House was absent while the Leader of the Opposition attended the entire sitting. As many as 30 MPAs (24%) were present at the outset while 49 (40%) at the adjournment of the sitting. The parliamentary leaders of ANP, PML-N and MMA attended the proceedings. As many as two out of three minority lawmakers attended the sitting.
The Minister for Law introduced two government bills including the KP Domestic Violence against Women (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2019 and the KP Ministers (Salaries, Allowances and Privileges) Amendment Bill, 2019 in the House.
The House adopted three resolutions moved by PTI, PPPP and MMA lawmakers. These resolutions were related to transfer of Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) head offices from Lahore to Islamabad, issuance of lifetime blue passports to the members of Provincial Assemblies and increase in number of judges in Lakki Marwat district.
The government answered nine out of 14 Starred Questions while five questions were disposed of due to absence of the mover. The lawmakers asked six supplementary questions as well. Sponsored by PPPP and MMA lawmakers, the Chair admitted two adjourned motions regarding expulsion of students from Cadet College Swabi and transfer of power of departments in tribal districts to Governor Office.
The Minister for Law responded to two Call Attention Notices (CANs) to upgrade health facilities in Saidu Group of Hospital Swat and take measures to curb street crimes in KP. These CANs were raised by lawmakers belonging to ANP and PML-N, respectively.
As many as six lawmakers raised points of order consuming 22 minutes of the proceedings. A PTI lawmaker pointed out lack of quorum at 1100 hours but it was found complete upon counting after ringing of the bells for two minutes. The House was adjourned to meet again on February 12, 2019 (Tuesday) at 1000 hours.